I own a company and am searching through LinkedIn to find strong executives outside my database and network. Well for those of you that use LinkedIn you know how all of the pictures appear across the top and going down the right side because they are similar to the profile you are looking at.  

Yes, it's a very small world we live in, especially in this Facebook/LinkedIn age.  And it's especially perilous for gals who are living in two worlds at the same time.  It would be a great idea to let them know how you found them, assuming it can be done without revealing your identity, too

is that if you were signed into your account wile looking at the girls pages, then they can see that you looked at them - so there's no hiding it.

I would never even think about saying anything to them or anyone else. Not my style.

Not in my case, I have their premier package which allows me to have anonymity as I search. That is paramount to my business model. Without this package you would be correct.

What type of business you run and what you were searching for - ha. I may be in the wrong line of work.  

And yes is a small world which should teach us that we need to remain low key. I avoid going to events and having my picture taken (you never know who will be perusing around those magazines), I avoid networking events near my hometown or having LinkedIn. Maybe I am missing out on tons of professional opportunities but perhaps when I decide to pursue other endeavors, I will be able to live more freely.

"I actually sent them both emails and let them know it was a pure fluke that I found them and to my knowledge they do not know each other, they are in different industries but similar positions. They actually both replied and said they didn't have an issue with me seeing them because they trust me. There is no value in me saying anything nor will it do me any favors. I simply shared the posting because I had an old friend that always talked about how small of a world it really is. No harm, no foul."

I suspect the 'people you may know' feature keys off email addresses, and wondered if she simply entered her email contacts and mine was there...  

I sent them personal emails not emails through LinkedIn. As I said, one I have seen a good bit and the other enough to send occasional emails to each other.

I have a database of over 11,000 professionals but am always looking to add more strong executives so I am always searching.

You are bent out of shape for nothing. We exchange emails regularly, it stays professional but when you see a beautiful lady enough you develop the relationship to say Hey every week or so. They are the ones that typically say Hey first. So, when I sent them an email telling them they did not care at all, they trust me and know I will not disclose their names to anyone. It isn't like I saw them once and sent them an email that said I gotcha.... Relax.

The intuitive part of LinkedIn is importing your email address book to begin with. Then, from there they make suggestions of people you know to kick start your network base so you can grow it from friends, family & co-workers (present and past). I've had a dozen Providers/ Civilian dates show up on LinkedIn.... But I would never reach out to them.. That is something I'll give a REAL good leaving alone. EVERY time.